How to fix cloudy gauge cluster plastic?

[BruceB83]

Hey guys...the gauge cluster on my new-to-me 2001 T4R is cloudy and it's pretty annoying. It looks like it may be stained by armor-all or something but I can't wipe it off. Anyone ever have this issue? If so how did you fix it. I'd start trying different things on it but I don't want to make it worse. My first thought is maybe some fine rubbing compound/paint cutter.

Thanks for any advice you can provide.

 

[fenrisx]

Is it definitely on the outside? My moms old 240sx had the inside 'fog up' for a long time. Took it out and cleaned the inside, and it was good to go after that.

 

[BruceB83]

Is it definitely on the outside? My moms old 240sx had the inside 'fog up' for a long time. Took it out and cleaned the inside, and it was good to go after that.

Good question. I guess the only way to know for sure is to remove it and try cleaning the inside. It's not a sealed cluster right? Meaning, I can get to the back of the plastic?

 

[RUNMYTA]

Your issue sounds alot like the one I had. I used ICE all purpose cleaner/protectant and cleaned just the outside and almost all of the fogging came off. Might give that a try.

 

[R.A.]

Use MEGUIAR'S PLASTX™ CLEAR PLASTIC CLEANER & POLISH:

Car Care Products: Car Waxes to Leather Cleaners, Meguiar's the Leader in Car and Surface Care since 1901

One of the best polishers/cleaners for plastic. It's about $6 at Wally World.

There's another product; but I don't remember the name and I can't find a link for it right now. Aviators use it and it's about $17.

Edit: It someone has tried to "fix" the plastic by doing a headlight restoration kit or something similar, you may be SOL and have to try something else.

Just remembered the other polish the flyboys use: Plexus Plastic Cleaner
You can google for more info.

 

[BruceB83]

Use MEGUIAR'S PLASTX™ CLEAR PLASTIC CLEANER & POLISH:

Car Care Products: Car Waxes to Leather Cleaners, Meguiar's the Leader in Car and Surface Care since 1901

....

Thanks for the tip man...that stuff worked great!

 

[R.A.]

Thanks for the tip man...that stuff worked great!

You're welcome. I've been using it for my headlamp lens, etc. Works for me and saves me from buying new headlights. FYI use a microfiber cloth to apply and takeoff to avoid creating new scratches.

But any scratched/foggy/cloudy lens will not stop deteriorating. You have to reapply as necessary. My headlights I have to reapply every two weeks to keep them clear.

 

[WrexHAmm]

I had the same problem with mine, the guy before me loved to Armor-All everything. Because it is a digital odometer you can replace the "plastic" and not have to worry about a sealed gauge cluster. Just a few screws and poping the plastic off. I called up a local dealership and they had one in the next day. Ran only about $30. Personally I'd rather just spend the $30 and the 20 min to replace it than fix it every couple of weeks. Once it is damaged you will not be able to fix it. Plexus works great if you need a polish. I use it on headlights and my motorcycle farings.